What does it mean that a cat is FIV positive?

FIV stands for for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. Cats who test positive have either been vaccinated against the disease or have been exposed to the virus at some point so their bodies have developed antibodies against it. Some may be carriers of the virus and some may not be carriers. The FIV test looks for antibodies to the virus not the virus itself, so it is difficult to distinguish a cat who was vaccinated for FIV from a cat infected with the virus.

How does FIV affect the cat?

Most cats who test positive for FIV live long healthy lives and do not show any symptoms. FIV is an immune deficiency virus which means it can gradually affect the immune system of the cat. Many FIV +ve cats are slightly most susceptible to infections than other cats. For this reason they should see the vet at least once a year for check-ups and be kept strictly indoors to avoid exposure to infections. Indoor-only FIV +ve cats who are fed well and taken good care of usually live to be 15-20 years just like any other cat. FIV +ve cats do not require anti-FIV drugs or special treatment. Preventative medicine such as dental cleaning and blood panels as senior helps identify any problems early on and helps any cat live into their golden years with a high quality of life, and are especially important for FIV +ve cats.

Is FIV contagious?

FIV is a feline-specific virus, it cannot infect humans or any other species. It is also not highly contagious among cats. It is not transmissible through casual contact, sharing water bowls, grooming, playing or sneezing. FIV is transmitted through blood - usually when a deep bite wound occurs resulting in bleeding and blood-saliva contact. Most cats that test +ve for FIV are young males who have been in vicious fights over mates or territory (or the victim of a bigger nastier tom cat). There are no documented cases of transmission among indoor only neutered cats that we are aware of. Several Stanford Cat Network members have FIV +ve cats living in their homes with other cats for many years, and we have adopted a number of FIV +ve cats who are very happy and healthy in their new homes. If an FIV +ve cat gets along well with others there is no reason he can't live in a multi-cat home.

Read the story of Bubba Pierre - an FIV +ve cat adopted through Stanford Cat Network - in our 2002 newsletter

Read more about FIV and why cats who test positive experience and unnecessary stigma at Best Friends website.